Blurred Vision: Redken's Blur Technique in Action

The actual process is quite simple, Issac says. The blur technique begins with the application of one shade to the top third of the section, and a second shade to the bottom third. The brush is then used to blend the top color down and the bottom shade up so the shades meet and blur in the center, creating a third tone. “This is where the artist can get creative,” he says “Maybe place one shade on one side of the section and a different shade on the far side. Use the brush to blur in between. There is so much you can do.”

Step 1

Section hair into three triangles as shown.

Step 2

Take a horizontal slice from within the side triangle. Place slice on foil and apply Flash Lift lightener blended with 30-volume developer.

Step 3

Alternate slices and weaves and place along the sides as shown.

Step 4

Continue within the top triangle alternating slices and weaves.

Step 5

Process, lifting to pale yellow (for red shades lift to yellow).

Step 6

While processing, prepare two shades for the blur technique. For the top part of the section (Formula 1), prepare Shades EQ Gloss 06N and for the bottom (Formula 2) blend 09RB and 09AA to make a rose gold.

Step 7

After processing, shampoo and dry hair. Return to the same pattern, and place hair on foil to begin application process.

Step 8

Apply Formula 1 to the top third of the section.

Step 9

Apply Formula 2 to the bottom third.

Step 10

Using the blur brush, blend the top shade down the middle.

Step 11

Then take the blur brush and blend up from the bottom The center shade becomes medium blonde/golden beige. Cover the section with foil.

Step 12

Continue throughout the front then process for 20 minutes. Shampoo, condition and style.

The actual process is quite simple, Issac says. The blur technique begins with the application of one shade to the top third of the section, and a second shade to the bottom third. The brush is then used to blend the top color down and the bottom shade up so the shades meet and blur in the center, creating a third tone. “This is where the artist can get creative,” he says “Maybe place one shade on one side of the section and a different shade on the far side. Use the brush to blur in between. There is so much you can do.”

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

While processing, prepare two shades for the blur technique. For the top part of the section (Formula 1), prepare Shades EQ Gloss 06N and for the bottom (Formula 2) blend 09RB and 09AA to make a rose gold.

Step 12

Blurred lines are everywhere—from makeup and fashion, to photography and that song that’s been stuck in your head since last summer. According to trendsetters at Redken, it’s also a haircolor technique that will continue to be hot even through 2015. Color melting allows for complete customization and total creativity and artistry. The Blur Technique, created by Redken Ambassador Tracey Cunningham and perfected on her high-profi le celebrity clientele, is designed to allow the colorist to create a blended shading effect. “The emotion is lost when the lines are next to each other and uniform,” says Justin Isaac, Redken colorist and educator who demonstrates the Blur Technique in this MODERN photoshoot. “You can be as creative as you want with this technique. You can whisper, talk or shout depending on the colors you use.”

Isaac’s secret to blurring multi-tonal results is the Redken Blur Brush, developed specifically to distribute formulas evenly to create a gentle transition from one shade to the next. “The bristles are a fine synthetic, pliable with lots of give,” he says. “Chemicals willnot ruin the brush and it washes out like a standard color brush. You can use lighteners and it will not disintegrate.” According to Isaac, it is the brush that saves time and allows the color to blend easily. “You can be as creative as you want,” adds Isaac. “The colorist can create something hard or soft and wearable.”

Atlanta based Savannah Cochran (@savannahcochran) had quite the challenge from her first time client who had permanent black lowlights and thick, sliced brassy highlights. “She had relatively mild breakage from her previous highlights,” says Cochran. "This was a serious color correction.”